US20150131287A1 - Convertible lighting fixture for multiple light sources - Google Patents
Convertible lighting fixture for multiple light sources Download PDFInfo
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- US20150131287A1 US20150131287A1 US14/600,723 US201514600723A US2015131287A1 US 20150131287 A1 US20150131287 A1 US 20150131287A1 US 201514600723 A US201514600723 A US 201514600723A US 2015131287 A1 US2015131287 A1 US 2015131287A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- lighting fixture
- light source
- compartment
- fixture
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V19/00—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
- F21V19/04—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders with provision for changing light source, e.g. turret
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V15/00—Protecting lighting devices from damage
- F21V15/01—Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
- F21V17/002—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages with provision for interchangeability, i.e. component parts being especially adapted to be replaced by another part with the same or a different function
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/001—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electrical wires or cables
- F21V23/002—Arrangements of cables or conductors inside a lighting device, e.g. means for guiding along parts of the housing or in a pivoting arm
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/003—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
- F21V23/007—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array enclosed in a casing
- F21V23/009—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array enclosed in a casing the casing being inside the housing of the lighting device
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V31/00—Gas-tight or water-tight arrangements
- F21V31/005—Sealing arrangements therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
-
- F21Y2101/02—
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to wide area lighting fixtures and, more specifically, to convertible lighting fixtures.
- Wide area lighting fixtures are commonly used for both indoor and outdoor applications. Indoor lighting such as those used in arenas, gymnasiums, aircraft hangers, and other large spaces use wide area lighting. Outdoor lighting fixtures, such as those used for street lighting, parking structures, loading dock areas, and other exterior lighting applications, also use wide area lighting and may be known in such applications as canopy lights. These wide area fixtures typically involve a light source, such as a bulb, lamp, or other illumination source, a transformer for converting a power supply to the light source's power requirements, and a reflector and/or lens system to direct the light output from the light source into a desired illumination pattern. When the fixtures are elevated and their light output directed downward, a wide area can be illuminated by strategic placement of the fixtures.
- a light source such as a bulb, lamp, or other illumination source
- a transformer for converting a power supply to the light source's power requirements
- a reflector and/or lens system to direct the light output from the light source into a desired illumination pattern.
- High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) fixtures are one of the most prevalent outdoor lighting fixtures in use today and may include metal halide, high pressure sodium, and low pressure sodium light sources.
- metal halide lamps produce approximately 70-115 lumens per Watt with operating life expectancies approximately in the 5,000-20,000 hour range.
- high pressure sodium lamps produce about 50-140 lumens per Watt on average with an operating life expectancy of approximately 24,000-40,000 hours.
- Maintaining these types of fixtures can be expensive due to the cost of the replacement light sources themselves and the labor and equipment (e.g., boom trucks, lane flashers to rear, caution area markers, etc.) needed to reach the fixtures, which are often in difficult to reach locations, and to disassemble them to replace the proper component.
- labor and equipment e.g., boom trucks, lane flashers to rear, caution area markers, etc.
- Induction lighting is similar to fluorescent lighting in that induction lighting uses the excitation of a contained gas or gases, which react with phosphors inside a lamp to produce white light.
- induction lamps excite the gases using a magnetic field, as opposed to electrodes as in fluorescent lighting.
- Induction lamps are rated up to 100,000 hours operating life and, consequently, are typically employed where maintenance of the lamp is problematic.
- induction lamps are energy efficient, typically operating at greater than 85 lumens per Watt. Further, induction lamps exhibit high lumen maintenance over the entire life and provide instant on and instant restrike capability, such that there is virtually no warm up time.
- LED light-emitting diode
- LEDs are approaching efficacies of 130 lumens per Watt with a rated operating life of 50,000-100,000 hours.
- individual, discrete LEDs do not produce sufficient light output to illuminate a wide area.
- prior art solid-state lighting systems utilize many LEDs, such as clusters of LEDs arranged in arrays on printed circuit boards. However, these clusters create significant heat that can build up and damage the LEDs unless the heat is controlled and dissipated.
- a convertible lighting fixture includes a first housing a first housing and a second housing, the first housing movably attached to the second housing, the second housing including a surface adjacent the first housing, wherein the first housing and the surface define a compartment; a first plate attached to the second housing opposite the surface to define a volume; and a light source attached to the first plate, the first plate configured to accept the light source and further configured to enable attachment of different types of light sources, wherein the light source is insulated from the compartment by the volume.
- the lighting fixture may further include a second plate disposed in the compartment and attached to the surface of the second housing, the second plate including a portion offset from the surface such that a gap is formed therebetween; a power controller attached to the second plate opposite the surface, the power controller electrically connected to the light source; and a cover attached to the second housing, wherein the cover encloses the light source, wherein the first and second housings are configured to enable the power controller within the compartment to be replaced without separating the cover from the second housing.
- the light source is a fluorescent induction tube including at least one induction coil
- the power controller is a ballast.
- the light source is at least one light-emitting diode module
- the power controller is a light-emitting diode driver.
- the lighting fixture may further include a wire harness configured to electrically connect the power controller with the light source, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wires, each electrically insulated by a wire jacket, a harness jacket surrounding the plurality of wires, and a sealant disposed within the harness jacket, wherein the sealant at least partially fills voids within the harness jacket and prevents liquids from translating through the wire harness.
- the sealant may be a cured resin.
- the voids filled are between each of the plurality of wires and its associated wire jacket and/or between each wire jacket and the harness jacket.
- the surface of the second housing includes a first opening therethrough, the wire harness extending from the light source to the power controller through the first opening, and wherein the wire harness further comprises a first seal disposed within the first opening, the first seal configured to prevent liquid from passing between the harness jacket and the first seal and between the first seal and the second housing.
- the first seal is a cable gland.
- the lighting fixture includes a sensor, the sensor capable of detecting motion or light at or near the lighting fixture, wherein the wire harness is further configured to electrically connect the power controller to the sensor.
- the sensor is a passive infrared motion device.
- the wire harness electrically connects the power controller to the light source via the sensor.
- the second plate includes a second opening therethrough, and wherein at least a portion of the wire harness further extends from the power controller to the sensor through the second opening.
- a convertible lighting fixture includes a first housing defining a first compartment; a second housing defining a second compartment and movable and removably attached to the first housing, the second housing having a surface adjacent the first compartment; a cover reversibly attached to the second housing opposite the first housing, the cover generally defining a third compartment thermally insulated from the first compartment by the second compartment; a light source disposed within the third compartment; a power source disposed within the first compartment; and a wire harness electrically connecting the power source with the light source, the wire harness comprised of a plurality of wires within a jacket and a sealant disposed within the jacket.
- each of the plurality of wires is surrounded by an insulator and the sealant is disposed between each insulator and the jacket.
- the sealant is further disposed within each insulator.
- the sealant is a resin.
- a lighting fixture includes a light source, the light source attached to a mounting plate; a power source, the power source attached to an offset plate and electrically connected to the light source; a housing defining an insulating compartment and having a surface defining a side of the compartment, wherein the offset plate is attached to the surface such that the power source is opposite the compartment, and wherein the mounting plate is attached to the housing opposite the surface such that the light source is opposite the compartment; a lid defining a driver compartment and movably attached to the housing, the lid enclosing the power source within the driver compartment; and a harness including a plurality of conductors surrounded by a jacket and including a sealant capable of filling voids within the jacket as to prevent liquid from translating through the wire harness, wherein wire harness connects the power source and the light source.
- the harness includes a seal surrounding a portion of the harness and disposed at least partially within an opening in the housing.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken through the centerline at section line 3 - 3 as shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 shows a partial top view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the upper housing in the open configuration
- FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken through the centerline at section line 7 - 7 as shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 8 shows a partial top view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the upper housing in the open configuration
- FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken at section line 10 - 10 as shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a passive infrared device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 12 shows a detail view of a portion of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the disclosure of the present application provides a convertible lighting fixture for multiple light sources.
- the convertible lighting fixture of the present disclosure provides a modular light fixture that can be converted to use one of multiple high-efficiency light sources by simply replacing only the light source and its associated power electronics and without the need to completely remove the fixture from its mounting location, thereby facilitating both conversion and servicing of the fixture. Further, the convertible lighting fixture of the present disclosure enables the light source to be upgraded without replacing the entire fixture.
- FIGS. 1-3 A convertible lighting fixture according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-3 .
- a convertible lighting fixture 100 includes a lens cover 160 reversibly attached to a lower housing 120 , which is movably attached to an upper housing 110 .
- the upper housing 110 includes a top surface 112 with upper walls 114 extending in one direction from the edges of the top surface 112 .
- the top surface 112 and upper walls 114 define a ballast compartment 111 therebetween.
- the upper housing 110 may further include an upper flange 118 extending from the periphery of the upper walls 114 opposite the top surface 112 .
- the lower housing 120 includes a mounting surface 122 with lower walls 124 extending in one direction from the edges of the mounting surface 122 .
- the mounting surface 122 and lower walls 114 define an insulating compartment 121 therebetween.
- the mounting surface 122 may be sized such that a perimeter of the mounting surface 122 is smaller than an inner perimeter of the upper flange 118 wherein, when assembled, the mounting surface 122 fits within the inner perimeter of the upper flange 118 .
- the lower housing 120 may further include a lower flange 128 extending from the periphery of the lower walls 124 opposite the mounting surface 122 .
- the upper and lower housings 110 , 120 may be movably attached to one another by at least one hinge 136 or other suitable means disposed along an edge of the mounting surface 122 and an adjacent edge of the upper flange 118 . Aside from the hinge 136 , the upper and lower housings 110 , 120 may be reversibly secured together by a latch 138 or other suitable means when assembled.
- the latch 138 may include a locking feature to prevent unwanted opening or vandalism of the fixture 100 .
- Such locking feature may include a locking draw bolt, a loop configured for a padlock, security wire, or zip tie, or another suitable locking feature that prevents the unlatching of the latch 138 .
- the at least one hinge 136 may be a slip hinge, which enables the upper and lower housings 110 , 120 to be disassembled from one another easily.
- the lower housing 120 may have a channel 125 formed therein adjacent to each hinge 136 to provide clearance for one half of the hinge 136 to slide relative to the other half, thereby easily separating the upper housing 110 from the lower housing 120 .
- a lock screw 135 may be attached to the lower housing 120 within the channel 125 to block the hinge from sliding and disengaging.
- the channel 125 may be formed in, and the lock screw 135 attached to, the upper housing 110 with the same effect.
- the channel 125 and lock screw 135 may be configured such that, when fully engaged, the lock screw 135 is flush with the surface of the channel 125 , and thus the halves of hinge 136 may slide freely past one another and disengage. Moreover, by partially backing out the lock screw 135 , it may interfere with the sliding halves of the hinge 136 , thereby preventing its disassembly. Further, the lock screw 135 may be a security fastener with a tamper-resistant head requiring special tools to engage and disengage the lock screw 135 .
- the at least one slip hinge 136 enables installation and maintenance of the upper housing 110 separate from the lower housing 120 with subsequent assembly of the housings 110 , 120 .
- a single person may first secure the upper housing 110 in the desired location for the fixture 100 .
- power connections may be made to the fixture 100 before the lower housing 120 , including the remaining components of the fixture 100 , is attached to the prepositioned upper housing 110 .
- Conventional lighting fixtures require a two-man installation and maintenance process with one person making connections while the other supports the weight of the fixture. Such a two-man process may be particularly difficult in wide area lighting applications where the fixtures are located high off the ground or in other difficult to reach locations.
- the lens cover 160 may form a bowl-like shape with a lens flange 168 at the brim, which corresponds to the shape of the lower flange 128 , a lens wall 164 forming the sides of the bowl-like shape, and a lens bottom 162 that extends between and caps the lens wall 164 to form the bottom of the bowl-like shape.
- the lens bottom 162 and lens wall 164 define a lamp compartment 141 .
- the lens flange 168 is formed to engage the lower housing 120 and may be reversibly attached to the lower housing 120 by any suitable means, including but not limited to screws 131 .
- the lens flange 168 may engage the lower housing 120 within the perimeter of the lower flange 128 , thereby protecting the interface therebetween from direct exposure to the environment and minimizing potential intrusion into the fixture 100 .
- the lens wall 164 and lens bottom 162 may include a plurality of optical elements 166 formed therein that distribute the light output from a light source 140 into a desired light pattern.
- the lens cover 160 may include a surface treatment, such as frosted or stippling, to provide diffusion of the light emitted from the light source 140 .
- the lens cover 160 may be made of a substantially optically transparent or at least translucent material, including but not limited to glass, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethylmethacrolate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), PC/PMMA composite, silicones, fluorocarbon polymers, and polyetherimide (PEI), or other suitable material.
- COC cyclic olefin copolymer
- PMMA polymethylmethacrolate
- PC polycarbonate
- PC/PMMA composite PC/PMMA composite
- silicones fluorocarbon polymers
- PEI polyetherimide
- the lens cover 160 further protects the lamp compartment 141 from intrusion of foreign material into the lamp compartment 141 .
- a seal 130 may be disposed between the lens cover 160 and the lower housing 120 such that, when assembled, the seal 130 prevents the intrusion of dirt, water, insects, or other foreign matter into the lamp compartment 141 .
- the seal 130 may be made of any suitably resilient material capable of maintaining a seal between the lens cover 160 and the lower housing 120 , preferably for the life of the convertible light fixture 100 .
- the convertible lighting fixture 100 includes an induction fluorescent light source 140 disposed within the lamp compartment 141 .
- the fluorescent light source 140 may be an electrodeless tube filled with a mixture of inert gas and mercury vapor. Such fluorescent lighting technology is well-known in the art, and examples include ICETRON® products from Osram-Sylvania.
- the light source 140 includes at least one induction coil 142 surrounding a portion of the light source 140 .
- One or more mounting bands 144 surround the at least one induction coil 142 and attach the light source 140 to a mounting plate 132 , which in turn is attached to the lower housing 120 .
- the mounting plate 132 may include a reflective surface on the side facing the light source 140 capable of reflecting incident light from the light source 140 .
- the convertible lighting fixture 100 includes an isolation plate 134 and a ballast 150 mounted within the ballast compartment 111 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the isolation plate 134 includes a flat portion 134 a , upon which the ballast 150 is attached, and at least two base portions 134 b offset at distance from the flat portion 134 a .
- the base portions 134 b may be attached to the mounting surface 122 of the lower housing 120 such that an insulating air gap exists between the flat portion 134 a where the ballast 150 may be attached and the mounting surface 122 .
- the isolation plate 134 serves to thermally isolate the ballast from the lower housing 120 and thereby the light source 140 .
- the isolation plate 134 and the ballast 150 may be attached by any suitable means including but not limited to screws 131 .
- the ballast 150 includes solid state electronic circuitry to provide the proper starting and operating voltages to power the light source 140 .
- the ballast 150 may include various power regulation functions as is well-known in the art, including changing the frequency of the power from the standard main frequency of 50-60 Hertz (Hz) to some higher frequency, such as 20,000 Hz, stepping the voltage supplied to the light source 140 from startup to steady state operation, and surge protection for the light source 140 .
- Hz Hertz
- a by-product of the ballast function is heat generated by the electronics during operation.
- the ballast 150 is electrically connected to a power supply line (not shown) and to the at least one induction coil 142 of the light source 140 via a wiring harness (not shown), which passes from the ballast compartment 111 through an opening 123 in the mounting surface 122 of the lower housing 120 and further through an opening 133 in the mounting plate 132 to the at least one induction coil 142 .
- the convertible lighting fixture 100 may be mounted in a desired location by attaching the upper housing 110 at top surface 112 by any suitable means, such as screws, to a ceiling, wall, or other desired surface and connecting an electrical power supply line to the input of the ballast 150 .
- Power to the fixture 100 may be controlled, for example, manually via a wall switch or automatically via a sensor located on the fixture 100 or a centrally-located sensor that controls a bank of fixtures 100 as described further herein.
- ballast 150 is the most common maintenance issue for induction fluorescent lighting fixtures generally.
- the ballast compartment 111 may be easily opened by unfastening the latch 138 on the lower housing 120 , thereby enabling access to the ballast 150 and associated power connections located on the moving and accessible lower housing 120 . Accordingly, the fixture 100 may be serviced without disturbing or affecting the lamp compartment 141 . Consequently, servicing the fixture 100 is easier than conventional lighting fixtures that include ballast electronics.
- the integrity of the seal 130 and the lamp compartment 141 is not compromised, which avoids the intrusion of foreign matter and other potential light source problems associated with the maintenance of conventional lighting fixtures in which the light source must be exposed to service the electronics.
- the lamp compartment 141 may be serviced without disturbing the ballast 150 and electrical connections in the ballast compartment 111 .
- the convertible lighting fixture 100 includes features that improve the thermal energy management of the fixture in service. Because the ballast compartment 111 is separate from the lamp compartment 141 , the light source 140 is effectively thermally insulated from the heat generated by the normal operation of the ballast 150 . Heat transfer between the ballast and lamp compartments 111 , 141 is further inhibited by the isolation plate 134 , which enables the formation of an insulating layer of air between ballast 150 and the lower housing 120 . Likewise, the mounting plate 132 enables further thermal isolation of the light source 140 from the heat generated by the ballast 150 .
- the mounting plate 132 and lower housing 120 define the insulating compartment 121 , in which the air filling the insulating compartment 121 is effectively stagnant. Consequently, the insulating compartment 121 , isolated from the lamp compartment 141 by the mounting plate 132 , further insulates the ballast 150 from the light source 140 .
- the fixture 100 is constructed to conduct heat away from the light source and transfer that heat to the ambient environment.
- the upper and lower housings 110 , 120 , the mounting plate 132 , and the isolation plate 134 are each made of thermally conductive material that readily conducts heat, such as steel, copper, aluminum, or other suitably conductive material, and may be manufactured by casting, forging, molding, machining, or other suitable process.
- the upper and lower housings 110 , 120 , the mounting plate 132 , and the isolation plate 134 are each attached to one another such that there is a continuous thermal path from the light source 140 to the exterior surface of the fixture 100 .
- the upper walls 114 of the upper housing 110 include vertical cooling fins 116 formed therein that increase the surface area of the upper housing 110 , thereby facilitating convective and radiative heat transfer from the upper housing 110 to the ambient environment.
- the lower walls 124 of the lower housing 120 include vertical cooling fins 126 formed therein that increase the surface area of the lower housing 120 , thereby further facilitating convective and radiative heat transfer from the lower housing 120 to the ambient environment.
- the total mass of the fixture 100 represents a significant thermal capacitance that can absorb and sink a considerable amount of thermal energy, thereby retarding increased temperatures at the light source 140 .
- the fixture 100 is capable of dissipating the heat generated by the light source 140 and the ballast 150 , which consequently can be maintained within appropriate operating temperatures in service.
- the convertible lighting fixture 100 may be converted from using one type of light source to another easily and reliably by simply replacing certain components of the fixture assembly. Where the fixture 100 is depicted with an induction fluorescent light source 140 and associated ballast electronics 150 in FIGS. 1-3 , a convertible lighting fixture may be converted to use a light-emitting diode (“LED”) light source.
- a convertible lighting fixture 200 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 5-7 . As shown in FIG. 5 , a convertible lighting fixture 200 includes a lens cover 260 reversibly attached to a lower housing 220 , which is movably attached to an upper housing 210 . As shown in FIGS.
- the upper housing 210 includes a top surface 212 with upper walls 214 extending in one direction from the edges of the top surface 212 .
- the top surface 212 and upper walls 214 define a driver compartment 211 therebetween.
- the upper housing 210 may further include an upper flange 218 extending from the periphery of the upper walls 214 opposite the top surface 212 .
- the lower housing 220 includes a mounting surface 222 with lower walls 224 extending in one direction from the edges of the mounting surface 222 .
- the mounting surface 222 and lower walls 214 define an insulating compartment 221 therebetween.
- the mounting surface 222 may be sized such that a perimeter of the mounting surface 222 is smaller than an inner perimeter of the upper flange 218 wherein, when assembled, the mounting surface 222 fits within the inner perimeter of the upper flange 218 .
- the lower housing 220 may further include a lower flange 228 extending from the periphery of the lower walls 224 opposite the mounting surface 222 .
- the upper and lower housings 210 , 220 may be movably attached to one another by at least one hinge 236 or other suitable means disposed along an edge of the mounting surface 222 and an adjacent edge of the upper flange 218 .
- the upper and lower housings 210 , 220 may be reversibly secured together by a latch 238 or other suitable means when assembled.
- the latch 238 may include a locking feature to prevent unwanted opening or vandalism of the fixture 200 .
- Such locking feature may include a locking drawbolt, a loop configured for a padlock, security wire, or zip tie, or another suitable locking feature that prevents the unlatching of the latch 238 .
- the at least one hinge 236 may be a slip hinge, which enables the upper and lower housings 210 , 220 to be disassembled from one another easily.
- the lower housing 220 may have a channel 225 formed therein adjacent to each hinge 236 to provide clearance for one half of the hinge 236 to slide relative to the other half, thereby easily separating the upper housing 210 from the lower housing 220 .
- a lock screw 235 may be attached to the lower housing 220 within the channel 225 to block the hinge from sliding and disengaging.
- the channel 225 may be formed in, and the lock screw 235 attached to, the upper housing 210 with the same effect.
- the channel 225 and lock screw 235 may be configured such that, when fully engaged, the lock screw 235 is flush with the surface of the channel 225 , and thus the halves of hinge 236 may slide freely past one another and disengage. Moreover, by partially backing out the lock screw 235 , it may interfere with the sliding halves of the hinge 236 , thereby preventing its disassembly. Further, the lock screw 235 may be a security fastener with a tamper-resistant head requiring special tools to engage and disengage the lock screw 235 .
- the at least one slip hinge 236 enables easy installation and maintenance of the upper housing 210 separate from the lower housing 220 with easy subsequent assembly of the housings 210 , 220 .
- a single person may first secure the upper housing 210 in the desired location for the fixture 200 .
- power connections may be made to the fixture 200 before the lower housing 220 , including the remaining components of the fixture 200 , is attached to the prepositioned upper housing 210 .
- Conventional lighting fixtures require a two-man installation and maintenance process with one person making connections while the other supports the weight of the fixture. Such a two-man process may be particularly difficult in wide area lighting applications where the fixtures are located high off the ground or in other difficult to reach locations.
- the lens cover 260 may form a bowl-like shape with a lens flange 268 at the brim, which corresponds to the shape of the lower flange 228 , a lens wall 264 forming the sides of the bowl-like shape, and a lens bottom 262 that extends between and caps the lens wall 264 to form the bottom of the bowl-like shape.
- the lens bottom 262 and the lens wall 264 define a lamp compartment 241 .
- the lens flange 268 is formed to engage the lower housing 220 and may be reversibly attached to the lower housing 220 by any suitable means, including but not limited to screws 231 .
- the lens flange 268 may engage the lower housing 220 within the perimeter of the lower flange 228 , thereby protecting the interface therebetween from direct exposure to the environment and minimizing potential intrusion into the fixture 200 .
- the lens wall 264 and lens bottom 262 may include a plurality of optical elements (not shown) formed therein that distribute the light output from a light source 240 into a desired light pattern.
- the lens wall 264 and lens bottom 262 may not include any optical elements formed therein, and the light output from a light source, such as a LED module 240 , may be directed into a desired light pattern solely by a LED module lens 246 as described further herein.
- the lens cover 260 may include a surface treatment, such as frosted or stippling, to provide diffusion of the light emitted from the light source 240 .
- the lens cover 260 may be made of a substantially optically transparent or at least translucent material, including but not limited to glass, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethylmethacrolate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), PC/PMMA composite, silicones, fluorocarbon polymers, and polyetherimide (PEI), or other suitable optical grade material.
- the lens cover 260 further protects the lamp compartment 241 from intrusion.
- a seal 230 may be disposed between the lens cover 260 and the lower housing 220 such that, when assembled, the seal 230 prevents the intrusion of dirt, water, insects, or other foreign matter into the lamp compartment 241 .
- the seal 230 may be made of any suitably resilient material capable of maintaining a seal between the lens cover 260 and the lower housing 220 , preferably for the life of the convertible light fixture 200 .
- the convertible lighting fixture 200 includes at least one LED module 240 as a light source disposed within the lamp compartment 241 and reversibly attached to a mounting plate 232 , which in turn is attached to the lower housing 220 .
- the mounting plate 232 may include a reflective surface on the side facing the LED module 240 capable of effectively reflecting incident light from the LED module 240 .
- the at least one LED module 240 may include a heat sink 244 and at least one LED 242 mechanically and thermally attached to a distal end of the heat sink 244 .
- the LED module 240 may further include a lens 246 attached to the heat sink 244 at or near the same end as the LED 242 .
- the heat sink 244 functions to transfer heat away from the at least one LED 242 to the remainder of the fixture 200 and to the ambient environment.
- the heat sink 244 may include a channel 245 formed therethrough from end to end that enables a means of electrical connection 248 to pass from the LED 242 to the opposite end of the heat sink 244 .
- the means of electrical connection 248 may include stranded copper wires soldered or otherwise electrically connected to the LED 242 at one end and capped with terminals (not shown) and a connector 249 at the other.
- the connector 249 may be a type that is either sealed (i.e., waterproof) or unsealed.
- the heat sink 244 may further include a threaded quarter-turn attachment formed at an opposite, proximal end that enables the heat sink 244 to be reversibly attached to the mounting plate 232 with only a 90° rotation of the heat sink 244 relative to the mounting plate 232 .
- the heat sink 244 may enable attachment to the mounting plate with a 90°-360° rotation.
- the heat sink 244 is made of a material that readily conducts heat, such as steel, copper, aluminum, or other suitably conductive material, and may be manufactured by casting, forging, molding, machining, or other suitable process.
- the heat sink 244 may also include a plurality of grooves around its periphery to define cooling fins therebetween, thereby improving heat transfer between the heat sink 244 and the lamp compartment 241 .
- the at least one LED 242 includes a semiconductor chip in thermal and electrical contact with a circuit board (not shown), the chip having a light emitting p-n junction for generating light, an electrically isolated metal base or slug, a bottom surface that may be in contact with, or coated with, a reflective material to reflect generated light upward, and a means of electrical connection to the circuit board.
- the at least one LED 242 is a high-output white light LED, such as the XP-G LED manufactured by Cree, Inc.® However, many possible LED light sources are operable in the system, including, but not limited to, Cree® CXA and MLE products.
- the at least one LED 242 is in thermal contact with the heat sink 244 , to which the LED 242 is fixed by any suitable means of attachment, such as at least one machine screw, a thermally conductive adhesive, or similar means.
- the lens 246 may be formed in two halves joined together with a plurality of optical elements 247 formed therein.
- the lens 246 may be further configured to enable the two halves to be the same part with an indexing feature to ensure proper alignment of the halves. Consequently, the lens halves may be molded or cast in the same mold or, alternatively, manufactured using the same process.
- the halves of the lens 246 may be secured together and held securely to the heat sink 244 by a retainer (not shown), which ensures proper positioning the optical elements 247 of the lens 246 relative to the at least one LED 242 to maximize the optical efficiency of the module 240 .
- the retainer may be any suitable means for securing each half of the lens 246 together and to the heat sink 244 , such as a metal spring-loaded clip or a plastic pull-tie.
- the lens 246 is made of a substantially optically transparent, or at least translucent material, including but not limited to glass, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethylmethacrolate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), PC/PMMA composite, silicones, fluorocarbon polymers, and polyetherimide (PEI), having an index of refraction ranging from between about 1.35 to about 1.7. In at least one embodiment, the index of refraction may be about 1.53 but may be higher or lower based on the material selected for a given embodiment.
- the volume of space within the lens 246 is composed of ambient air, having an index of refraction of approximately 1.0003.
- the convertible lighting fixture 200 includes an isolation plate 234 and an LED driver 250 mounted within the driver compartment 211 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the isolation plate 234 includes a flat portion 234 a , upon which the driver 250 is attached, and at least two base portions 234 b offset at a distance from the flat portion 234 a .
- the base portions 234 b may be attached to the mounting surface 222 of the lower housing 220 such that an insulating air gap exists between the flat portion 234 a where the driver 250 may be attached and the mounting surface 222 .
- the isolation plate 234 serves to thermally isolate the driver 250 from the lower housing 220 and thereby the LED module 240 .
- the isolation plate 234 and the driver 250 may be attached by any suitable means including but not limited to screws 231 .
- the LED driver 250 includes solid state electronic circuitry to provide the proper operating current to power the at least one LED module 240 .
- the driver 250 may include a power transformer function to convert the main power supply input from high voltage alternating current to low voltage direct current and a current regulator function to ensure the at least one LED module 240 is supplied with a constant source current. However, a by-product of the driver function is heat generated by the electronics during operation.
- the driver 250 is electrically connected to a power supply line (not shown) and to the at least one connector 249 of the at least one LED module 240 via a wiring harness (not shown), which passes from the driver compartment 211 through an opening 223 in the mounting surface 222 of the lower housing 220 into the insulating compartment 221 where the at least one connector 249 is disposed.
- the convertible lighting fixture 200 may be mounted in a desired location by attaching the upper housing 210 at top surface 212 by any suitable means, such as screws, to a ceiling, wall, or other desired surface and connecting an electrical power supply line to the input of the driver 250 .
- Power to the fixture 200 may be controlled manually via a wall switch or automatically via a sensor located on the fixture 200 or a centrally-located sensor that controls a bank of fixtures 200 as described further herein.
- the separate driver and lamp compartments 211 , 241 of the fixture 200 enable ease of maintenance and robust reliability against the intrusion of foreign matter into the lamp compartment 241 .
- Thermal management of the heat generated by the at least one LED 242 and the LED driver 250 is critical in the fixture 200 .
- LEDs are highly sensitive to heat and can be damaged by operating near or above the rated maximum junction temperature of the LED 242 . Consequently, by its construction, the fixture 200 includes the same thermal management features and accompanying benefits as described relative to the fixture 100 , including separation of the lamp, insulating, and driver compartments 241 , 221 , and 211 , respectively.
- the thermal connection between the mounting plate 232 and the lower housing 220 may be enhanced with the addition of a thermally conductive tape (not shown) to reduce the thermal resistance at the mating interface between the mounting plate 232 and the lower housing 220 .
- each LED module 240 has its own heat sink 244 in thermal connection with the mounting plate 232 to provide a direct thermal path away from the LED 242 .
- the mounting plate 232 may be thicker than the mounting plate 132 , may include a greater thermal capacitance, and thus provide greater thermal management for the more heat sensitive LED module 240 .
- the fixture 200 is constructed, as the fixture 100 , to conduct heat away from the light source and transfer that heat to the ambient environment via thermally conductive component materials, a continuous thermal path from the LED 242 to the exterior surface of the fixture 200 , the inclusion of vertical cooling fins 216 formed in the upper housing 210 and similar vertical cooling fins 226 formed in the lower housing 220 , and a total mass of the fixture 200 with a significant thermal capacitance to absorb and sink a considerable amount of thermal energy, thereby retarding increased temperatures at the LED 242 .
- the fixture 200 is capable of dissipating the heat generated by the at least one LED 242 and the driver 250 , which can then be maintained within appropriate operating temperatures in service.
- the convertible light fixture 100 may be easily converted into the fixture 200 by replacing a few components of the fixture 100 for corresponding components of the fixture 200 .
- the ballast 150 may be replaced by the LED driver 250 .
- the fluorescent light source 240 may be replaced by one or more LED modules 240 .
- the lens cover 160 may be replaced by the lens cover 260 .
- the lens cover 160 may be configured to enable a desired light distribution regardless of whether the light source 140 or the LED module 240 is used, whereby the lens cover 160 need not be replaced to convert to fixture 200 .
- the mounting plate 132 may be replaced by the mounting plate 232 .
- the mounting plate 132 may be configured to enable attachment of either light source 140 or LED module 240 such that the mounting plate 132 need not be replaced to convert to fixture 200 .
- the remaining components of fixture 100 including the upper housing 110 , the isolation plate 134 , the lower housing 120 , the seal 130 and all means of attachments, such as screws 131 , need not be replaced when converting from fixture 100 to fixture 200 .
- the fixture 100 may be converted into the fixture 200 without removing the fixture 100 from its mounting location, thereby facilitating maintenance, retrofitting, or upgrade of the convertible lighting fixtures 100 , 200 and lowering the total life-cycle cost of operation.
- a further advantage of the convertible lighting fixture 200 is the ability to replace individual LED modules 240 without the need to replace an entire array of LEDs.
- the singular replaceability of the LED module 240 is enabled by the threaded quarter-turn attachment with the mounting plate 232 and by the easily disengaged and re-engaged connector 249 . Consequently, should a LED module 240 need to be replaced for any reason, that particular LED module 240 may be easily removed from the fixture 200 and a new one installed in its place as simply as changing a conventional incandescent light bulb. Besides replacing a failed LED module 240 , the ease of replacement enables a given fixture 200 to be easily and cost-effectively upgraded to the latest LED technology.
- the efficacy of LEDs is continually improving, as measured by light output per Watt of electrical power input. Consequently, an operator may wish to replace an older LED module 240 with one using a newer more efficient LED 242 even though the original LED module 240 has not failed.
- the singular replaceability of the LED module 240 enables an operator to continually upgrade the fixture 200 to the latest LED technology without the cost and labor of replacing the entire fixture 200 .
- a convertible lighting fixture may include one or more sensors capable of facilitating power control of the convertible lighting fixture.
- a convertible lighting fixture 300 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
- the convertible lighting fixture 300 may include a lens cover 360 reversibly attached to a lower housing 320 , which is movably attached to an upper housing 310 .
- the lens cover 360 , lower housing 320 , and upper housing 310 of the convertible lighting fixture 300 may be substantially the same as the lens cover 260 , lower housing 220 , and upper housing 210 of the convertible lighting fixture 200 (shown in FIGS. 5-7 ) except as described herein.
- the convertible lighting fixture 300 may further include a mounting plate 332 attached to the lower housing 320 , and to which a light source 340 may be attached.
- the convertible lighting fixture 300 further may include an isolation plate 334 attached to the lower housing 320 opposite the mounting plate 332 .
- the isolation plate 334 includes a flat portion 334 a , upon which a power controller 350 may be attached, and at least two base portions 334 b offset at a distance from the flat portion 334 a .
- the base portions 334 b may be attached to the lower housing 320 such that an insulating air gap exists between the flat portion 334 a , upon which the power controller 350 may be attached, and the lower housing 320 .
- the isolation plate 334 serves to thermally isolate the power controller 350 from the lower housing 320 and, thereby, the light source 340 .
- the upper housing 310 and lower housing 320 define a controller compartment 311 analogous in at least some respects to the driver compartment 211 , shown in FIG. 7 , and in which the power controller 350 and the isolation plate 334 are disposed.
- the lower housing 320 and mounting plate 332 define an insulating compartment 321 analogous in at least some respects to the insulating compartment 221 .
- the lens cover 360 and mounting plate 332 generally define a lamp compartment 341 analogous in at least some respects to the lamp compartment 241 .
- the convertible lighting fixture 300 may further include a sensor 370 capable of facilitating power control of the convertible lighting fixture 300 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
- the sensor 370 may be a motion detecting sensor or a light sensing photosensor capable of activating the convertible lighting fixture 300 .
- the sensor 370 may be a passive infrared (“PIR”) sensor capable of detecting motion, such as a PIR device 700 shown in FIG. 11 .
- the sensor 370 may be disposed largely within the lamp compartment 341 and protruding outside the lamp compartment 341 through an aperture 374 .
- the senor 370 may include a sensor lens 372 generally disposed outside the lamp compartment 341 to direct and focus signals to the sensor 370 .
- the sensor 370 may be disposed fully within the lamp compartment 341 or within some other portion of the convertible lighting fixture 300 .
- the PIR device 700 may include a PIR sensor 710 , a light sensor 712 , and a detection indictor 714 .
- the PIR sensor 710 may be constructed of a thin-film, pyroelectric material, such as, for instance, gallium nitride or caesium nitrate, capable of generating a change in voltage output when a radiant flux of infrared energy incident upon the PIR sensor 710 changes. Accordingly, the PIR sensor 710 may generate a change in output voltage when a person, animal, or an object passes the through the field of view of the PIR sensor 710 against a background having a lower temperature. The resultant change in voltage due to such motion triggers detection.
- the PIR device 700 may raise or switch on power to a light source within the convertible lighting fixture 300 .
- the PIR device 700 may further lower or switch off power to a light source when motion is not detected or after some time period since motion had been detected.
- the PIR device 700 may temporarily activate the detection indicator 714 when motion is detected.
- the detection indicator 714 may be an LED or other illuminating device, which may be lit upon detection.
- the light sensor 712 may be used to prevent the PIR device 700 from energizing the convertible lighting fixture 300 when the ambient light level exceeds a prescribed value (e.g., daylight).
- the PIR device 700 may further include an IR receiver 716 and an IR transmitter 718 .
- the IR receiver 716 and IR transmitter 718 may enable communication between the PIR device 700 and a remote controller (not shown), thereby enabling the PIR device 700 to be remotely programmed to adjust its settings and functions. Consequently, the PIR device 700 enables automatic control of a light source.
- the convertible lighting fixture 300 may include a wire harness 380 , which electrically connects the PIR device 700 to a power controller 350 .
- the wire harness 380 may further electrically connect the PIR device 700 to a light source 340 and/or connect the power controller 350 to the light source 340 .
- the light source 340 may be a fluorescent induction light source like the fluorescent light source 140 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the power controller 350 may be a ballast, such as the ballast 150 .
- the light source 340 may be an LED or LED module, such as the LED module 240 shown in FIG. 6 .
- power controller 350 may be an LED driver like the driver 250 .
- the wire harness 380 may be referred to as a cable harness, wire bundle, wiring assembly, or multicore.
- the wire harness 380 may include a plurality of wires 382 , each including a conductor 383 surrounded by a wire jacket 384 to electrical insulate the conductors 383 and wires 382 from one another.
- Each conductor 383 may be comprised of multiple strands of relatively thin conductors or a single, solid core of conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, and brass, among others.
- the wire jacket 384 may be any suitable insulating material, including without limitation polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and rubber.
- the wire harness 380 may further include a harness jacket 386 surrounding the plurality of wires 382 and enabling the plurality of wires 382 to be more easily routed from the PIR sensor 700 .
- the harness jacket 386 may further improve the reliability of the wire harness 380 by preventing damage from environmental exposure and mechanical abrasion.
- the wire harness 380 may include gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths therethrough between the individual wires 382 and between the wires 382 and the harness jacket 386 .
- each wire 382 may include relatively small scale pores, gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths therethrough between strands of the conductor 383 and between the conductor 383 and its respective wire jacket 384 .
- Such pores, gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths may enable liquid contaminants such as water to wick or travel through the wire harness 380 , potentially causing corrosion within the wire harness 380 and damage to electrical components connected to the wire harness 380 , such as the power controller 350 and the light source 340 .
- the wire harness 380 may further include a sealant 398 disposed in the pores, gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths within the wire harness 380 to prevent contaminants from translating therethrough.
- the sealant 398 may be disposed substantially along the entire length or only at each end of the wire harness 380 and may at least partially fill the gaps within each wire jacket 384 of the plurality of wires 382 and/or within the harness jacket 386 .
- the sealant 398 may be any suitable material capable of penetrating and remaining within the gaps such that liquid contaminants cannot translate through the wire harness 380 .
- the sealant 398 may further be flexible, resilient, and durable to allow the wire harness 380 to flex as needed to be routed within the convertible lighting fixture 300 while allowing for thermal expansion.
- Such a sealant 398 further may be thermally and chemically stable to withstand contact with solvents and relative high operating temperatures.
- the sealant 398 may be a thermoset polymeric resin having a low viscosity, including without limitation methacrylate, dimethacrylate ester, and epoxy.
- the sealant 398 may be cured by the application of heat or anaerobically (i.e., by removing oxygen/air).
- the sealant 398 may be introduced into the wire harness 380 by vacuum, pressure, or a combination of vacuum and pressure. Vacuum may be used to deaerate the gaps within the wire harness 380 and to draw the sealant 398 into the gaps. Subsequently, pressure may be applied to further facilitate penetration of the sealant 398 into the gaps.
- Anaerobically cured resins may cure once introduced into the deaerated gaps within the wire harness 380 , whereas thermally cured resins may require that the wire harness 380 be placed in an oven after the resin is introduced.
- the wire harness 380 may be routed from the sensor 370 and/or light source 340 to the power controller 350 through an opening 376 in the mounting plate 332 and through another opening 378 in the lower housing 320 .
- the isolation plate 334 may include an opening 388 to enable the wire harness 380 to pass therethrough and connect with the power controller 350 .
- the wire harness 380 may include seals positioned where the wire harness 380 intersects the mounting plate 332 and the isolation plate 334 .
- the wire harness 380 may include a first seal 392 disposed within the opening 376 of the mounting plate 332 .
- the wire harness 380 may further include a second seal 390 disposed within the opening 378 of the isolation plate 334 .
- the first and second seals 392 , 390 may be any suitable type of resilient and durable seal, including without limitation sealed connectors or sealant material, such as room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone.
- the first seal 392 may be a rubber O-ring grommet disposed at least partially within the opening 376 and having a center portion with a central channel configured to seal against the harness jacket 386 of the wire harness 380 , the center portion connected to two generally toroidal portions to seal against the opposite sides of the mounting plate 332 at the opening 376 .
- the second seal 390 may be a similar rubber O-ring grommet.
- the second seal 390 may be a cable gland disposed at least partially within the opening 378 and having a partially threaded body 395 and mating locking nut 396 to secure the body 395 to the lower housing 320 at the opening 378 .
- the second seal 390 may further include one or more auxiliary seals 394 disposed on opposite sides of the opening 378 of the lower housing 320 between the body 395 and the lower housing 320 and between the body 395 and the harness jacket 386 of the wire harness 380 .
- the first seal 392 and the second seal 390 may both environmentally seal the wire harness 380 to intersecting portions of the convertible lighting fixture 300 (i.e., the openings 376 , 378 ) and provide strain relief for the wire harness 380 .
- the disclosure may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps.
- the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described.
- Other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.
Abstract
Description
- This U.S. utility patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/913,030, filed Jun. 7, 2013, which is related to and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/657,490, filed Jun. 8, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present disclosure generally relates to wide area lighting fixtures and, more specifically, to convertible lighting fixtures.
- Wide area lighting fixtures are commonly used for both indoor and outdoor applications. Indoor lighting such as those used in arenas, gymnasiums, aircraft hangers, and other large spaces use wide area lighting. Outdoor lighting fixtures, such as those used for street lighting, parking structures, loading dock areas, and other exterior lighting applications, also use wide area lighting and may be known in such applications as canopy lights. These wide area fixtures typically involve a light source, such as a bulb, lamp, or other illumination source, a transformer for converting a power supply to the light source's power requirements, and a reflector and/or lens system to direct the light output from the light source into a desired illumination pattern. When the fixtures are elevated and their light output directed downward, a wide area can be illuminated by strategic placement of the fixtures.
- The types of wide area lighting fixtures vary depending upon the particular application and lighting requirements, as do the light sources employed. High Intensity Discharge (“HID”) fixtures, for example, are one of the most prevalent outdoor lighting fixtures in use today and may include metal halide, high pressure sodium, and low pressure sodium light sources. As an example, metal halide lamps produce approximately 70-115 lumens per Watt with operating life expectancies approximately in the 5,000-20,000 hour range. By comparison, high pressure sodium lamps produce about 50-140 lumens per Watt on average with an operating life expectancy of approximately 24,000-40,000 hours. Maintaining these types of fixtures can be expensive due to the cost of the replacement light sources themselves and the labor and equipment (e.g., boom trucks, lane flashers to rear, caution area markers, etc.) needed to reach the fixtures, which are often in difficult to reach locations, and to disassemble them to replace the proper component.
- Another type of light source used for wide area lighting is induction lighting. Induction lighting is similar to fluorescent lighting in that induction lighting uses the excitation of a contained gas or gases, which react with phosphors inside a lamp to produce white light. However, induction lamps excite the gases using a magnetic field, as opposed to electrodes as in fluorescent lighting. Induction lamps are rated up to 100,000 hours operating life and, consequently, are typically employed where maintenance of the lamp is problematic. Moreover, induction lamps are energy efficient, typically operating at greater than 85 lumens per Watt. Further, induction lamps exhibit high lumen maintenance over the entire life and provide instant on and instant restrike capability, such that there is virtually no warm up time.
- Yet another type of light source used for wide area lighting is the light-emitting diode (“LED”) array. The efficacy of LEDs, as measured in lumens per Watt, is rapidly evolving, and more powerful LEDs are being released every 6-12 months. Currently, LEDs are approaching efficacies of 130 lumens per Watt with a rated operating life of 50,000-100,000 hours. However, individual, discrete LEDs do not produce sufficient light output to illuminate a wide area. As a result, to produce sufficient illumination in most applications, prior art solid-state lighting systems utilize many LEDs, such as clusters of LEDs arranged in arrays on printed circuit boards. However, these clusters create significant heat that can build up and damage the LEDs unless the heat is controlled and dissipated. Consequently, most LED lighting manufacturers mount the LEDs to large, heavy heat sinks. If an individual LED malfunctions it is not efficiently replaceable and cannot be simply unscrewed and replaced as with other types of light sources. Furthermore, as newer, brighter, higher efficacy LEDs come on the market, the entire prior art LED array requires replacement, and likely a complete heat sink redesign, because the supporting heat sink system is most often constructed as a single integrated unit. Today, few modularized lighting systems are available that allow for upgrades to the newest LED technology without completely developing new components for the entire system. Consequently, there is significant expense in both materials and labor to either replace a non-LED fixture with one incorporating LEDs or to upgrade a current LED fixture to the latest technology, as it will generally require an entirely new LED array and heat sink system designed to handle a new and more powerful LED.
- Accordingly, a need exists for a modular convertible lighting fixture that can be easily and effectively converted to use one of multiple high-efficiency light sources by replacing only the light source and associated electronics without the need to completely remove the fixture from its mounted location. Further, there is a need for a convertible lighting fixture that is easily and cost-effectively maintained and upgraded to the latest high-efficiency lighting technology without replacing the entire fixture.
- According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a convertible lighting fixture is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a lighting fixture includes a first housing a first housing and a second housing, the first housing movably attached to the second housing, the second housing including a surface adjacent the first housing, wherein the first housing and the surface define a compartment; a first plate attached to the second housing opposite the surface to define a volume; and a light source attached to the first plate, the first plate configured to accept the light source and further configured to enable attachment of different types of light sources, wherein the light source is insulated from the compartment by the volume. In certain embodiments, the lighting fixture may further include a second plate disposed in the compartment and attached to the surface of the second housing, the second plate including a portion offset from the surface such that a gap is formed therebetween; a power controller attached to the second plate opposite the surface, the power controller electrically connected to the light source; and a cover attached to the second housing, wherein the cover encloses the light source, wherein the first and second housings are configured to enable the power controller within the compartment to be replaced without separating the cover from the second housing. In at least one embodiment, the light source is a fluorescent induction tube including at least one induction coil, and the power controller is a ballast. In alternative embodiments, the light source is at least one light-emitting diode module, and the power controller is a light-emitting diode driver.
- In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lighting fixture may further include a wire harness configured to electrically connect the power controller with the light source, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wires, each electrically insulated by a wire jacket, a harness jacket surrounding the plurality of wires, and a sealant disposed within the harness jacket, wherein the sealant at least partially fills voids within the harness jacket and prevents liquids from translating through the wire harness. In a refinement, the sealant may be a cured resin. In a further refinement, the voids filled are between each of the plurality of wires and its associated wire jacket and/or between each wire jacket and the harness jacket. In yet another refinement, the surface of the second housing includes a first opening therethrough, the wire harness extending from the light source to the power controller through the first opening, and wherein the wire harness further comprises a first seal disposed within the first opening, the first seal configured to prevent liquid from passing between the harness jacket and the first seal and between the first seal and the second housing. In at least one embodiment, the first seal is a cable gland.
- In at least one embodiment, the lighting fixture includes a sensor, the sensor capable of detecting motion or light at or near the lighting fixture, wherein the wire harness is further configured to electrically connect the power controller to the sensor. In a refinement, the sensor is a passive infrared motion device. In another refinement, the wire harness electrically connects the power controller to the light source via the sensor. In yet another refinement, the second plate includes a second opening therethrough, and wherein at least a portion of the wire harness further extends from the power controller to the sensor through the second opening.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a convertible lighting fixture includes a first housing defining a first compartment; a second housing defining a second compartment and movable and removably attached to the first housing, the second housing having a surface adjacent the first compartment; a cover reversibly attached to the second housing opposite the first housing, the cover generally defining a third compartment thermally insulated from the first compartment by the second compartment; a light source disposed within the third compartment; a power source disposed within the first compartment; and a wire harness electrically connecting the power source with the light source, the wire harness comprised of a plurality of wires within a jacket and a sealant disposed within the jacket. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of wires is surrounded by an insulator and the sealant is disposed between each insulator and the jacket. In a refinement, the sealant is further disposed within each insulator. In certain embodiments, the sealant is a resin.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting fixture includes a light source, the light source attached to a mounting plate; a power source, the power source attached to an offset plate and electrically connected to the light source; a housing defining an insulating compartment and having a surface defining a side of the compartment, wherein the offset plate is attached to the surface such that the power source is opposite the compartment, and wherein the mounting plate is attached to the housing opposite the surface such that the light source is opposite the compartment; a lid defining a driver compartment and movably attached to the housing, the lid enclosing the power source within the driver compartment; and a harness including a plurality of conductors surrounded by a jacket and including a sealant capable of filling voids within the jacket as to prevent liquid from translating through the wire harness, wherein wire harness connects the power source and the light source. In at least one embodiment, the harness includes a seal surrounding a portion of the harness and disposed at least partially within an opening in the housing.
- The described embodiments and other features, advantages and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken through the centerline at section line 3-3 as shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows a partial top view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the upper housing in the open configuration; -
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken through the centerline at section line 7-7 as shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8 shows a partial top view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with the upper housing in the open configuration; -
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken at section line 10-10 as shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a passive infrared device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 12 shows a detail view of a portion of a convertible lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. - Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures.
- An overview of the features, functions and configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non-discussed features, such as various fasteners, etc., as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry or configuration.
- For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.
- The disclosure of the present application provides a convertible lighting fixture for multiple light sources. The convertible lighting fixture of the present disclosure provides a modular light fixture that can be converted to use one of multiple high-efficiency light sources by simply replacing only the light source and its associated power electronics and without the need to completely remove the fixture from its mounting location, thereby facilitating both conversion and servicing of the fixture. Further, the convertible lighting fixture of the present disclosure enables the light source to be upgraded without replacing the entire fixture. These features of the convertible lighting fixture are enabled by a three-compartment configuration that provides advantages over conventional lighting fixtures, including of ease of maintenance, thermal isolation of the ballast or driver electronics from the light source, and prevention of foreign material intrusion into the light source compartment. Further advantages of the convertible lighting fixture are disclosed herein.
- A convertible lighting fixture according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in
FIGS. 1-3 . As shown inFIG. 1 , aconvertible lighting fixture 100 includes alens cover 160 reversibly attached to alower housing 120, which is movably attached to anupper housing 110. As shown inFIGS. 2-3 , theupper housing 110 includes atop surface 112 withupper walls 114 extending in one direction from the edges of thetop surface 112. Thetop surface 112 andupper walls 114 define aballast compartment 111 therebetween. Theupper housing 110 may further include anupper flange 118 extending from the periphery of theupper walls 114 opposite thetop surface 112. - The
lower housing 120 includes a mountingsurface 122 withlower walls 124 extending in one direction from the edges of the mountingsurface 122. The mountingsurface 122 andlower walls 114 define an insulatingcompartment 121 therebetween. The mountingsurface 122 may be sized such that a perimeter of the mountingsurface 122 is smaller than an inner perimeter of theupper flange 118 wherein, when assembled, the mountingsurface 122 fits within the inner perimeter of theupper flange 118. Thelower housing 120 may further include alower flange 128 extending from the periphery of thelower walls 124 opposite the mountingsurface 122. Moreover, the upper andlower housings hinge 136 or other suitable means disposed along an edge of the mountingsurface 122 and an adjacent edge of theupper flange 118. Aside from thehinge 136, the upper andlower housings latch 138 or other suitable means when assembled. Thelatch 138 may include a locking feature to prevent unwanted opening or vandalism of thefixture 100. Such locking feature may include a locking draw bolt, a loop configured for a padlock, security wire, or zip tie, or another suitable locking feature that prevents the unlatching of thelatch 138. - The at least one
hinge 136 may be a slip hinge, which enables the upper andlower housings FIG. 4 , thelower housing 120 may have achannel 125 formed therein adjacent to eachhinge 136 to provide clearance for one half of thehinge 136 to slide relative to the other half, thereby easily separating theupper housing 110 from thelower housing 120. To prevent tampering or accidentally disassembly of thehinge 136, alock screw 135 may be attached to thelower housing 120 within thechannel 125 to block the hinge from sliding and disengaging. Alternatively, thechannel 125 may be formed in, and thelock screw 135 attached to, theupper housing 110 with the same effect. Thechannel 125 and lockscrew 135 may be configured such that, when fully engaged, thelock screw 135 is flush with the surface of thechannel 125, and thus the halves ofhinge 136 may slide freely past one another and disengage. Moreover, by partially backing out thelock screw 135, it may interfere with the sliding halves of thehinge 136, thereby preventing its disassembly. Further, thelock screw 135 may be a security fastener with a tamper-resistant head requiring special tools to engage and disengage thelock screw 135. - Consequently, the at least one
slip hinge 136 enables installation and maintenance of theupper housing 110 separate from thelower housing 120 with subsequent assembly of thehousings upper housing 110 in the desired location for thefixture 100. With theupper housing 110 prepositioned, power connections may be made to thefixture 100 before thelower housing 120, including the remaining components of thefixture 100, is attached to the prepositionedupper housing 110. Conventional lighting fixtures require a two-man installation and maintenance process with one person making connections while the other supports the weight of the fixture. Such a two-man process may be particularly difficult in wide area lighting applications where the fixtures are located high off the ground or in other difficult to reach locations. - The
lens cover 160 may form a bowl-like shape with alens flange 168 at the brim, which corresponds to the shape of thelower flange 128, alens wall 164 forming the sides of the bowl-like shape, and alens bottom 162 that extends between and caps thelens wall 164 to form the bottom of the bowl-like shape. Thelens bottom 162 andlens wall 164 define alamp compartment 141. Thelens flange 168 is formed to engage thelower housing 120 and may be reversibly attached to thelower housing 120 by any suitable means, including but not limited to screws 131. Thelens flange 168 may engage thelower housing 120 within the perimeter of thelower flange 128, thereby protecting the interface therebetween from direct exposure to the environment and minimizing potential intrusion into thefixture 100. Further, thelens wall 164 andlens bottom 162 may include a plurality ofoptical elements 166 formed therein that distribute the light output from alight source 140 into a desired light pattern. Alternatively, thelens cover 160 may include a surface treatment, such as frosted or stippling, to provide diffusion of the light emitted from thelight source 140. To enable the desired light distribution, thelens cover 160 may be made of a substantially optically transparent or at least translucent material, including but not limited to glass, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethylmethacrolate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), PC/PMMA composite, silicones, fluorocarbon polymers, and polyetherimide (PEI), or other suitable material. - In addition to enabling the desired light distribution, the
lens cover 160 further protects thelamp compartment 141 from intrusion of foreign material into thelamp compartment 141. Moreover, aseal 130 may be disposed between thelens cover 160 and thelower housing 120 such that, when assembled, theseal 130 prevents the intrusion of dirt, water, insects, or other foreign matter into thelamp compartment 141. Theseal 130 may be made of any suitably resilient material capable of maintaining a seal between thelens cover 160 and thelower housing 120, preferably for the life of theconvertible light fixture 100. - In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the
convertible lighting fixture 100 includes an induction fluorescentlight source 140 disposed within thelamp compartment 141. The fluorescentlight source 140 may be an electrodeless tube filled with a mixture of inert gas and mercury vapor. Such fluorescent lighting technology is well-known in the art, and examples include ICETRON® products from Osram-Sylvania. Thelight source 140 includes at least oneinduction coil 142 surrounding a portion of thelight source 140. One or moremounting bands 144 surround the at least oneinduction coil 142 and attach thelight source 140 to a mountingplate 132, which in turn is attached to thelower housing 120. The mountingplate 132 may include a reflective surface on the side facing thelight source 140 capable of reflecting incident light from thelight source 140. - In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the
convertible lighting fixture 100 includes anisolation plate 134 and aballast 150 mounted within theballast compartment 111 as shown inFIG. 3 . Theisolation plate 134 includes aflat portion 134 a, upon which theballast 150 is attached, and at least twobase portions 134 b offset at distance from theflat portion 134 a. Thebase portions 134 b may be attached to the mountingsurface 122 of thelower housing 120 such that an insulating air gap exists between theflat portion 134 a where theballast 150 may be attached and the mountingsurface 122. Thus, theisolation plate 134 serves to thermally isolate the ballast from thelower housing 120 and thereby thelight source 140. Theisolation plate 134 and theballast 150 may be attached by any suitable means including but not limited to screws 131. - The
ballast 150 includes solid state electronic circuitry to provide the proper starting and operating voltages to power thelight source 140. Theballast 150 may include various power regulation functions as is well-known in the art, including changing the frequency of the power from the standard main frequency of 50-60 Hertz (Hz) to some higher frequency, such as 20,000 Hz, stepping the voltage supplied to thelight source 140 from startup to steady state operation, and surge protection for thelight source 140. However, a by-product of the ballast function is heat generated by the electronics during operation. Theballast 150 is electrically connected to a power supply line (not shown) and to the at least oneinduction coil 142 of thelight source 140 via a wiring harness (not shown), which passes from theballast compartment 111 through anopening 123 in the mountingsurface 122 of thelower housing 120 and further through anopening 133 in the mountingplate 132 to the at least oneinduction coil 142. - In operation, the
convertible lighting fixture 100 may be mounted in a desired location by attaching theupper housing 110 attop surface 112 by any suitable means, such as screws, to a ceiling, wall, or other desired surface and connecting an electrical power supply line to the input of theballast 150. Power to thefixture 100 may be controlled, for example, manually via a wall switch or automatically via a sensor located on thefixture 100 or a centrally-located sensor that controls a bank offixtures 100 as described further herein. - Replacement of the
ballast 150 is the most common maintenance issue for induction fluorescent lighting fixtures generally. Should thefixture 100 require service, such as maintenance or repair, theballast compartment 111 may be easily opened by unfastening thelatch 138 on thelower housing 120, thereby enabling access to theballast 150 and associated power connections located on the moving and accessiblelower housing 120. Accordingly, thefixture 100 may be serviced without disturbing or affecting thelamp compartment 141. Consequently, servicing thefixture 100 is easier than conventional lighting fixtures that include ballast electronics. Moreover, because the electronics and electrical connections of thefixture 100 can serviced without disturbing or affecting thelamp compartment 141, the integrity of theseal 130 and thelamp compartment 141 is not compromised, which avoids the intrusion of foreign matter and other potential light source problems associated with the maintenance of conventional lighting fixtures in which the light source must be exposed to service the electronics. Similarly, in a situation where thelight source 140 must be replaced, thelamp compartment 141 may be serviced without disturbing theballast 150 and electrical connections in theballast compartment 111. - Thermal energy generated by induction fluorescent light fixtures may potentially reduce the rated life of the components, as is common in conventional lighting fixtures. However, the
convertible lighting fixture 100 includes features that improve the thermal energy management of the fixture in service. Because theballast compartment 111 is separate from thelamp compartment 141, thelight source 140 is effectively thermally insulated from the heat generated by the normal operation of theballast 150. Heat transfer between the ballast andlamp compartments isolation plate 134, which enables the formation of an insulating layer of air betweenballast 150 and thelower housing 120. Likewise, the mountingplate 132 enables further thermal isolation of thelight source 140 from the heat generated by theballast 150. In assembly, the mountingplate 132 andlower housing 120 define the insulatingcompartment 121, in which the air filling the insulatingcompartment 121 is effectively stagnant. Consequently, the insulatingcompartment 121, isolated from thelamp compartment 141 by the mountingplate 132, further insulates theballast 150 from thelight source 140. - In addition, the
fixture 100 is constructed to conduct heat away from the light source and transfer that heat to the ambient environment. First, the upper andlower housings plate 132, and theisolation plate 134 are each made of thermally conductive material that readily conducts heat, such as steel, copper, aluminum, or other suitably conductive material, and may be manufactured by casting, forging, molding, machining, or other suitable process. Second, the upper andlower housings plate 132, and theisolation plate 134 are each attached to one another such that there is a continuous thermal path from thelight source 140 to the exterior surface of thefixture 100. Third, as shown inFIG. 3 , theupper walls 114 of theupper housing 110 includevertical cooling fins 116 formed therein that increase the surface area of theupper housing 110, thereby facilitating convective and radiative heat transfer from theupper housing 110 to the ambient environment. Similarly, thelower walls 124 of thelower housing 120 includevertical cooling fins 126 formed therein that increase the surface area of thelower housing 120, thereby further facilitating convective and radiative heat transfer from thelower housing 120 to the ambient environment. Fourth, the total mass of thefixture 100 represents a significant thermal capacitance that can absorb and sink a considerable amount of thermal energy, thereby retarding increased temperatures at thelight source 140. As a result, thefixture 100 is capable of dissipating the heat generated by thelight source 140 and theballast 150, which consequently can be maintained within appropriate operating temperatures in service. - The
convertible lighting fixture 100 may be converted from using one type of light source to another easily and reliably by simply replacing certain components of the fixture assembly. Where thefixture 100 is depicted with an induction fluorescentlight source 140 and associatedballast electronics 150 inFIGS. 1-3 , a convertible lighting fixture may be converted to use a light-emitting diode (“LED”) light source. Aconvertible lighting fixture 200 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown inFIGS. 5-7 . As shown inFIG. 5 , aconvertible lighting fixture 200 includes alens cover 260 reversibly attached to alower housing 220, which is movably attached to anupper housing 210. As shown inFIGS. 6-7 , theupper housing 210 includes atop surface 212 withupper walls 214 extending in one direction from the edges of thetop surface 212. Thetop surface 212 andupper walls 214 define adriver compartment 211 therebetween. Theupper housing 210 may further include anupper flange 218 extending from the periphery of theupper walls 214 opposite thetop surface 212. - The
lower housing 220 includes a mountingsurface 222 withlower walls 224 extending in one direction from the edges of the mountingsurface 222. The mountingsurface 222 andlower walls 214 define an insulatingcompartment 221 therebetween. The mountingsurface 222 may be sized such that a perimeter of the mountingsurface 222 is smaller than an inner perimeter of theupper flange 218 wherein, when assembled, the mountingsurface 222 fits within the inner perimeter of theupper flange 218. Thelower housing 220 may further include alower flange 228 extending from the periphery of thelower walls 224 opposite the mountingsurface 222. Moreover, the upper andlower housings hinge 236 or other suitable means disposed along an edge of the mountingsurface 222 and an adjacent edge of theupper flange 218. Aside from thehinge 236, the upper andlower housings latch 238 or other suitable means when assembled. Thelatch 238 may include a locking feature to prevent unwanted opening or vandalism of thefixture 200. Such locking feature may include a locking drawbolt, a loop configured for a padlock, security wire, or zip tie, or another suitable locking feature that prevents the unlatching of thelatch 238. - The at least one
hinge 236 may be a slip hinge, which enables the upper andlower housings FIG. 8 , thelower housing 220 may have achannel 225 formed therein adjacent to eachhinge 236 to provide clearance for one half of thehinge 236 to slide relative to the other half, thereby easily separating theupper housing 210 from thelower housing 220. To prevent tampering or accidentally disassembly of thehinge 236, alock screw 235 may be attached to thelower housing 220 within thechannel 225 to block the hinge from sliding and disengaging. Alternatively, thechannel 225 may be formed in, and thelock screw 235 attached to, theupper housing 210 with the same effect. Thechannel 225 and lockscrew 235 may be configured such that, when fully engaged, thelock screw 235 is flush with the surface of thechannel 225, and thus the halves ofhinge 236 may slide freely past one another and disengage. Moreover, by partially backing out thelock screw 235, it may interfere with the sliding halves of thehinge 236, thereby preventing its disassembly. Further, thelock screw 235 may be a security fastener with a tamper-resistant head requiring special tools to engage and disengage thelock screw 235. - Consequently, the at least one
slip hinge 236 enables easy installation and maintenance of theupper housing 210 separate from thelower housing 220 with easy subsequent assembly of thehousings upper housing 210 in the desired location for thefixture 200. With theupper housing 210 prepositioned, power connections may be made to thefixture 200 before thelower housing 220, including the remaining components of thefixture 200, is attached to the prepositionedupper housing 210. Conventional lighting fixtures require a two-man installation and maintenance process with one person making connections while the other supports the weight of the fixture. Such a two-man process may be particularly difficult in wide area lighting applications where the fixtures are located high off the ground or in other difficult to reach locations. - The
lens cover 260 may form a bowl-like shape with alens flange 268 at the brim, which corresponds to the shape of thelower flange 228, alens wall 264 forming the sides of the bowl-like shape, and alens bottom 262 that extends between and caps thelens wall 264 to form the bottom of the bowl-like shape. Thelens bottom 262 and thelens wall 264 define alamp compartment 241. Thelens flange 268 is formed to engage thelower housing 220 and may be reversibly attached to thelower housing 220 by any suitable means, including but not limited to screws 231. Thelens flange 268 may engage thelower housing 220 within the perimeter of thelower flange 228, thereby protecting the interface therebetween from direct exposure to the environment and minimizing potential intrusion into thefixture 200. Further, thelens wall 264 andlens bottom 262 may include a plurality of optical elements (not shown) formed therein that distribute the light output from alight source 240 into a desired light pattern. Alternatively, thelens wall 264 andlens bottom 262 may not include any optical elements formed therein, and the light output from a light source, such as aLED module 240, may be directed into a desired light pattern solely by aLED module lens 246 as described further herein. As a further alternative, thelens cover 260 may include a surface treatment, such as frosted or stippling, to provide diffusion of the light emitted from thelight source 240. To enable the desired light distribution, thelens cover 260 may be made of a substantially optically transparent or at least translucent material, including but not limited to glass, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethylmethacrolate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), PC/PMMA composite, silicones, fluorocarbon polymers, and polyetherimide (PEI), or other suitable optical grade material. - In addition to enabling the desired light distribution, the
lens cover 260 further protects thelamp compartment 241 from intrusion. Moreover, aseal 230 may be disposed between thelens cover 260 and thelower housing 220 such that, when assembled, theseal 230 prevents the intrusion of dirt, water, insects, or other foreign matter into thelamp compartment 241. Theseal 230 may be made of any suitably resilient material capable of maintaining a seal between thelens cover 260 and thelower housing 220, preferably for the life of theconvertible light fixture 200. - In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the
convertible lighting fixture 200 includes at least oneLED module 240 as a light source disposed within thelamp compartment 241 and reversibly attached to a mountingplate 232, which in turn is attached to thelower housing 220. The mountingplate 232 may include a reflective surface on the side facing theLED module 240 capable of effectively reflecting incident light from theLED module 240. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , the at least oneLED module 240 may include aheat sink 244 and at least oneLED 242 mechanically and thermally attached to a distal end of theheat sink 244. TheLED module 240 may further include alens 246 attached to theheat sink 244 at or near the same end as theLED 242. Theheat sink 244 functions to transfer heat away from the at least oneLED 242 to the remainder of thefixture 200 and to the ambient environment. Theheat sink 244 may include achannel 245 formed therethrough from end to end that enables a means ofelectrical connection 248 to pass from theLED 242 to the opposite end of theheat sink 244. The means ofelectrical connection 248 may include stranded copper wires soldered or otherwise electrically connected to theLED 242 at one end and capped with terminals (not shown) and aconnector 249 at the other. Theconnector 249 may be a type that is either sealed (i.e., waterproof) or unsealed. Theheat sink 244 may further include a threaded quarter-turn attachment formed at an opposite, proximal end that enables theheat sink 244 to be reversibly attached to the mountingplate 232 with only a 90° rotation of theheat sink 244 relative to the mountingplate 232. Alternatively, theheat sink 244 may enable attachment to the mounting plate with a 90°-360° rotation. Further, theheat sink 244 is made of a material that readily conducts heat, such as steel, copper, aluminum, or other suitably conductive material, and may be manufactured by casting, forging, molding, machining, or other suitable process. In at least one embodiment, theheat sink 244 may also include a plurality of grooves around its periphery to define cooling fins therebetween, thereby improving heat transfer between theheat sink 244 and thelamp compartment 241. - In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one
LED 242 includes a semiconductor chip in thermal and electrical contact with a circuit board (not shown), the chip having a light emitting p-n junction for generating light, an electrically isolated metal base or slug, a bottom surface that may be in contact with, or coated with, a reflective material to reflect generated light upward, and a means of electrical connection to the circuit board. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least oneLED 242 is a high-output white light LED, such as the XP-G LED manufactured by Cree, Inc.® However, many possible LED light sources are operable in the system, including, but not limited to, Cree® CXA and MLE products. The at least oneLED 242 is in thermal contact with theheat sink 244, to which theLED 242 is fixed by any suitable means of attachment, such as at least one machine screw, a thermally conductive adhesive, or similar means. - The
lens 246 may be formed in two halves joined together with a plurality ofoptical elements 247 formed therein. Thelens 246 may be further configured to enable the two halves to be the same part with an indexing feature to ensure proper alignment of the halves. Consequently, the lens halves may be molded or cast in the same mold or, alternatively, manufactured using the same process. The halves of thelens 246 may be secured together and held securely to theheat sink 244 by a retainer (not shown), which ensures proper positioning theoptical elements 247 of thelens 246 relative to the at least oneLED 242 to maximize the optical efficiency of themodule 240. The retainer may be any suitable means for securing each half of thelens 246 together and to theheat sink 244, such as a metal spring-loaded clip or a plastic pull-tie. Further, thelens 246 is made of a substantially optically transparent, or at least translucent material, including but not limited to glass, cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethylmethacrolate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), PC/PMMA composite, silicones, fluorocarbon polymers, and polyetherimide (PEI), having an index of refraction ranging from between about 1.35 to about 1.7. In at least one embodiment, the index of refraction may be about 1.53 but may be higher or lower based on the material selected for a given embodiment. The volume of space within thelens 246 is composed of ambient air, having an index of refraction of approximately 1.0003. - In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the
convertible lighting fixture 200 includes anisolation plate 234 and anLED driver 250 mounted within thedriver compartment 211 as shown inFIG. 7 . Theisolation plate 234 includes aflat portion 234 a, upon which thedriver 250 is attached, and at least twobase portions 234 b offset at a distance from theflat portion 234 a. Thebase portions 234 b may be attached to the mountingsurface 222 of thelower housing 220 such that an insulating air gap exists between theflat portion 234 a where thedriver 250 may be attached and the mountingsurface 222. Thus, theisolation plate 234 serves to thermally isolate thedriver 250 from thelower housing 220 and thereby theLED module 240. Theisolation plate 234 and thedriver 250 may be attached by any suitable means including but not limited to screws 231. - The
LED driver 250 includes solid state electronic circuitry to provide the proper operating current to power the at least oneLED module 240. Thedriver 250 may include a power transformer function to convert the main power supply input from high voltage alternating current to low voltage direct current and a current regulator function to ensure the at least oneLED module 240 is supplied with a constant source current. However, a by-product of the driver function is heat generated by the electronics during operation. Thedriver 250 is electrically connected to a power supply line (not shown) and to the at least oneconnector 249 of the at least oneLED module 240 via a wiring harness (not shown), which passes from thedriver compartment 211 through anopening 223 in the mountingsurface 222 of thelower housing 220 into the insulatingcompartment 221 where the at least oneconnector 249 is disposed. - In operation, the
convertible lighting fixture 200, like thefixture 100, may be mounted in a desired location by attaching theupper housing 210 attop surface 212 by any suitable means, such as screws, to a ceiling, wall, or other desired surface and connecting an electrical power supply line to the input of thedriver 250. Power to thefixture 200 may be controlled manually via a wall switch or automatically via a sensor located on thefixture 200 or a centrally-located sensor that controls a bank offixtures 200 as described further herein. - Servicing the
fixture 200, whether for maintenance or replacement of individual components, proceeds as described herein relative to thefixture 100 and provides the same accompanying benefits. As with thefixture 100, the separate driver andlamp compartments fixture 200 enable ease of maintenance and robust reliability against the intrusion of foreign matter into thelamp compartment 241. - Thermal management of the heat generated by the at least one
LED 242 and theLED driver 250 is critical in thefixture 200. LEDs are highly sensitive to heat and can be damaged by operating near or above the rated maximum junction temperature of theLED 242. Consequently, by its construction, thefixture 200 includes the same thermal management features and accompanying benefits as described relative to thefixture 100, including separation of the lamp, insulating, anddriver compartments plate 232 and thelower housing 220 may be enhanced with the addition of a thermally conductive tape (not shown) to reduce the thermal resistance at the mating interface between the mountingplate 232 and thelower housing 220. Further, as noted herein, eachLED module 240 has itsown heat sink 244 in thermal connection with the mountingplate 232 to provide a direct thermal path away from theLED 242. In at least one embodiment, the mountingplate 232 may be thicker than the mountingplate 132, may include a greater thermal capacitance, and thus provide greater thermal management for the more heatsensitive LED module 240. - Otherwise, the
fixture 200 is constructed, as thefixture 100, to conduct heat away from the light source and transfer that heat to the ambient environment via thermally conductive component materials, a continuous thermal path from theLED 242 to the exterior surface of thefixture 200, the inclusion ofvertical cooling fins 216 formed in theupper housing 210 and similarvertical cooling fins 226 formed in thelower housing 220, and a total mass of thefixture 200 with a significant thermal capacitance to absorb and sink a considerable amount of thermal energy, thereby retarding increased temperatures at theLED 242. As a result, thefixture 200 is capable of dissipating the heat generated by the at least oneLED 242 and thedriver 250, which can then be maintained within appropriate operating temperatures in service. - According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
convertible light fixture 100 may be easily converted into thefixture 200 by replacing a few components of thefixture 100 for corresponding components of thefixture 200. For example, theballast 150 may be replaced by theLED driver 250. Likewise, the fluorescentlight source 240 may be replaced by one ormore LED modules 240. Moreover, because the fluorescentlight source 240 inherently produces a different light distribution than the at least oneLED module 240 and because eachLED module 240 includes aseparate lens 246 with the pluralityoptical elements 247, thelens cover 160 may be replaced by thelens cover 260. Alternatively, thelens cover 160 may be configured to enable a desired light distribution regardless of whether thelight source 140 or theLED module 240 is used, whereby thelens cover 160 need not be replaced to convert tofixture 200. Further, the mountingplate 132 may be replaced by the mountingplate 232. Alternatively, the mountingplate 132 may be configured to enable attachment of eitherlight source 140 orLED module 240 such that the mountingplate 132 need not be replaced to convert tofixture 200. Nonetheless, the remaining components offixture 100, including theupper housing 110, theisolation plate 134, thelower housing 120, theseal 130 and all means of attachments, such asscrews 131, need not be replaced when converting fromfixture 100 tofixture 200. As a result, thefixture 100 may be converted into thefixture 200 without removing thefixture 100 from its mounting location, thereby facilitating maintenance, retrofitting, or upgrade of theconvertible lighting fixtures - A further advantage of the
convertible lighting fixture 200 is the ability to replaceindividual LED modules 240 without the need to replace an entire array of LEDs. The singular replaceability of theLED module 240 is enabled by the threaded quarter-turn attachment with the mountingplate 232 and by the easily disengaged andre-engaged connector 249. Consequently, should aLED module 240 need to be replaced for any reason, thatparticular LED module 240 may be easily removed from thefixture 200 and a new one installed in its place as simply as changing a conventional incandescent light bulb. Besides replacing a failedLED module 240, the ease of replacement enables a givenfixture 200 to be easily and cost-effectively upgraded to the latest LED technology. As described herein, the efficacy of LEDs is continually improving, as measured by light output per Watt of electrical power input. Consequently, an operator may wish to replace anolder LED module 240 with one using a newer moreefficient LED 242 even though theoriginal LED module 240 has not failed. Thus, the singular replaceability of theLED module 240 enables an operator to continually upgrade thefixture 200 to the latest LED technology without the cost and labor of replacing theentire fixture 200. - In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a convertible lighting fixture may include one or more sensors capable of facilitating power control of the convertible lighting fixture. A
convertible lighting fixture 300 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 . As shown inFIG. 9 , theconvertible lighting fixture 300 may include alens cover 360 reversibly attached to alower housing 320, which is movably attached to anupper housing 310. Thelens cover 360,lower housing 320, andupper housing 310 of theconvertible lighting fixture 300 may be substantially the same as thelens cover 260,lower housing 220, andupper housing 210 of the convertible lighting fixture 200 (shown inFIGS. 5-7 ) except as described herein. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , theconvertible lighting fixture 300 may further include a mountingplate 332 attached to thelower housing 320, and to which alight source 340 may be attached. Theconvertible lighting fixture 300 further may include anisolation plate 334 attached to thelower housing 320 opposite the mountingplate 332. Theisolation plate 334 includes aflat portion 334 a, upon which apower controller 350 may be attached, and at least two base portions 334 b offset at a distance from theflat portion 334 a. The base portions 334 b may be attached to thelower housing 320 such that an insulating air gap exists between theflat portion 334 a, upon which thepower controller 350 may be attached, and thelower housing 320. Thus, theisolation plate 334 serves to thermally isolate thepower controller 350 from thelower housing 320 and, thereby, thelight source 340. - The
upper housing 310 andlower housing 320 define acontroller compartment 311 analogous in at least some respects to thedriver compartment 211, shown inFIG. 7 , and in which thepower controller 350 and theisolation plate 334 are disposed. Thelower housing 320 and mountingplate 332 define an insulatingcompartment 321 analogous in at least some respects to the insulatingcompartment 221. Further, thelens cover 360 and mountingplate 332 generally define alamp compartment 341 analogous in at least some respects to thelamp compartment 241. - The
convertible lighting fixture 300 may further include asensor 370 capable of facilitating power control of theconvertible lighting fixture 300 as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 . In certain embodiments, thesensor 370 may be a motion detecting sensor or a light sensing photosensor capable of activating theconvertible lighting fixture 300. In at least one embodiment, thesensor 370 may be a passive infrared (“PIR”) sensor capable of detecting motion, such as aPIR device 700 shown inFIG. 11 . In certain embodiments, thesensor 370 may be disposed largely within thelamp compartment 341 and protruding outside thelamp compartment 341 through anaperture 374. In such an embodiment, thesensor 370 may include asensor lens 372 generally disposed outside thelamp compartment 341 to direct and focus signals to thesensor 370. Alternatively, thesensor 370 may be disposed fully within thelamp compartment 341 or within some other portion of theconvertible lighting fixture 300. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , thePIR device 700 may include aPIR sensor 710, alight sensor 712, and adetection indictor 714. ThePIR sensor 710 may be constructed of a thin-film, pyroelectric material, such as, for instance, gallium nitride or caesium nitrate, capable of generating a change in voltage output when a radiant flux of infrared energy incident upon thePIR sensor 710 changes. Accordingly, thePIR sensor 710 may generate a change in output voltage when a person, animal, or an object passes the through the field of view of thePIR sensor 710 against a background having a lower temperature. The resultant change in voltage due to such motion triggers detection. Upon detection, thePIR device 700 may raise or switch on power to a light source within theconvertible lighting fixture 300. ThePIR device 700 may further lower or switch off power to a light source when motion is not detected or after some time period since motion had been detected. - The
PIR device 700 may temporarily activate thedetection indicator 714 when motion is detected. In such an embodiment, thedetection indicator 714 may be an LED or other illuminating device, which may be lit upon detection. Thelight sensor 712 may be used to prevent thePIR device 700 from energizing theconvertible lighting fixture 300 when the ambient light level exceeds a prescribed value (e.g., daylight). ThePIR device 700 may further include anIR receiver 716 and anIR transmitter 718. In such an embodiment, theIR receiver 716 andIR transmitter 718 may enable communication between thePIR device 700 and a remote controller (not shown), thereby enabling thePIR device 700 to be remotely programmed to adjust its settings and functions. Consequently, thePIR device 700 enables automatic control of a light source. - In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in
FIGS. 10 and 12 , theconvertible lighting fixture 300 may include awire harness 380, which electrically connects thePIR device 700 to apower controller 350. Thewire harness 380 may further electrically connect thePIR device 700 to alight source 340 and/or connect thepower controller 350 to thelight source 340. In certain embodiments, thelight source 340 may be a fluorescent induction light source like the fluorescentlight source 140 shown inFIG. 2 . In embodiments where thelight source 340 is a fluorescent induction light source, thepower controller 350 may be a ballast, such as theballast 150. In alternative embodiments, thelight source 340 may be an LED or LED module, such as theLED module 240 shown inFIG. 6 . In such embodiments,power controller 350 may be an LED driver like thedriver 250. - In the art, the
wire harness 380 may be referred to as a cable harness, wire bundle, wiring assembly, or multicore. As shown inFIG. 12 , thewire harness 380 may include a plurality ofwires 382, each including aconductor 383 surrounded by awire jacket 384 to electrical insulate theconductors 383 andwires 382 from one another. Eachconductor 383 may be comprised of multiple strands of relatively thin conductors or a single, solid core of conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, and brass, among others. Thewire jacket 384 may be any suitable insulating material, including without limitation polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and rubber. Thewire harness 380 may further include aharness jacket 386 surrounding the plurality ofwires 382 and enabling the plurality ofwires 382 to be more easily routed from thePIR sensor 700. Theharness jacket 386 may further improve the reliability of thewire harness 380 by preventing damage from environmental exposure and mechanical abrasion. - Because it is comprised of multiple,
separate wires 382, thewire harness 380 may include gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths therethrough between theindividual wires 382 and between thewires 382 and theharness jacket 386. Moreover, eachwire 382 may include relatively small scale pores, gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths therethrough between strands of theconductor 383 and between theconductor 383 and itsrespective wire jacket 384. Such pores, gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths may enable liquid contaminants such as water to wick or travel through thewire harness 380, potentially causing corrosion within thewire harness 380 and damage to electrical components connected to thewire harness 380, such as thepower controller 350 and thelight source 340. - Consequently, the
wire harness 380 may further include asealant 398 disposed in the pores, gaps, spaces, voids, and/or paths within thewire harness 380 to prevent contaminants from translating therethrough. Thesealant 398 may be disposed substantially along the entire length or only at each end of thewire harness 380 and may at least partially fill the gaps within eachwire jacket 384 of the plurality ofwires 382 and/or within theharness jacket 386. Thesealant 398 may be any suitable material capable of penetrating and remaining within the gaps such that liquid contaminants cannot translate through thewire harness 380. Thesealant 398 may further be flexible, resilient, and durable to allow thewire harness 380 to flex as needed to be routed within theconvertible lighting fixture 300 while allowing for thermal expansion. Such asealant 398 further may be thermally and chemically stable to withstand contact with solvents and relative high operating temperatures. In certain embodiments, thesealant 398 may be a thermoset polymeric resin having a low viscosity, including without limitation methacrylate, dimethacrylate ester, and epoxy. In such an embodiment, thesealant 398 may be cured by the application of heat or anaerobically (i.e., by removing oxygen/air). - In at least one embodiment, the
sealant 398 may be introduced into thewire harness 380 by vacuum, pressure, or a combination of vacuum and pressure. Vacuum may be used to deaerate the gaps within thewire harness 380 and to draw thesealant 398 into the gaps. Subsequently, pressure may be applied to further facilitate penetration of thesealant 398 into the gaps. Anaerobically cured resins may cure once introduced into the deaerated gaps within thewire harness 380, whereas thermally cured resins may require that thewire harness 380 be placed in an oven after the resin is introduced. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , thewire harness 380 may be routed from thesensor 370 and/orlight source 340 to thepower controller 350 through anopening 376 in the mountingplate 332 and through anotheropening 378 in thelower housing 320. In embodiments where theopening 378 is located beneath theisolation plate 334, theisolation plate 334 may include anopening 388 to enable thewire harness 380 to pass therethrough and connect with thepower controller 350. To environmentally isolate thecompartments convertible lighting fixture 300 from one another, thewire harness 380 may include seals positioned where thewire harness 380 intersects the mountingplate 332 and theisolation plate 334. In certain embodiments, thewire harness 380 may include afirst seal 392 disposed within theopening 376 of the mountingplate 332. Thewire harness 380 may further include asecond seal 390 disposed within theopening 378 of theisolation plate 334. The first andsecond seals - In at least one embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 10 , thefirst seal 392 may be a rubber O-ring grommet disposed at least partially within theopening 376 and having a center portion with a central channel configured to seal against theharness jacket 386 of thewire harness 380, the center portion connected to two generally toroidal portions to seal against the opposite sides of the mountingplate 332 at theopening 376. Thesecond seal 390 may be a similar rubber O-ring grommet. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 10 , thesecond seal 390 may be a cable gland disposed at least partially within theopening 378 and having a partially threadedbody 395 andmating locking nut 396 to secure thebody 395 to thelower housing 320 at theopening 378. In such an embodiment, thesecond seal 390 may further include one or moreauxiliary seals 394 disposed on opposite sides of theopening 378 of thelower housing 320 between thebody 395 and thelower housing 320 and between thebody 395 and theharness jacket 386 of thewire harness 380. Accordingly, thefirst seal 392 and thesecond seal 390 may both environmentally seal thewire harness 380 to intersecting portions of the convertible lighting fixture 300 (i.e., theopenings 376, 378) and provide strain relief for thewire harness 380. - While various embodiments of a convertible lighting fixture have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered by way of non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. For example, though various components of a convertible lighting fixture have been depicted to be generally square-shaped in the plan view, these components could have other general shapes such as circular, hexagonal, or other suitable or desire shape. As another example, the light sources disclosed with respect to the convertible lighting fixture include induction fluorescent and LED lamps. Nonetheless, the convertible lighting fixture may be configured to convert to any lighting system that uses a light source and associated power electronics. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure and are intended to encompass any later appended claims. Indeed, this disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure.
- Further, in describing representative embodiments, the disclosure may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. Other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims (20)
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US14/600,723 US9206964B2 (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2015-01-20 | Convertible lighting fixture for multiple light sources |
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US14/600,723 US9206964B2 (en) | 2012-06-08 | 2015-01-20 | Convertible lighting fixture for multiple light sources |
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US20130329434A1 (en) | 2013-12-12 |
US8950907B2 (en) | 2015-02-10 |
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